Commissioner Hardwick made a motion to accept the October 7, 2002 minutes. Commissioner Ginter seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDERATION OF A TO REQUEST TO INSTALL A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF MAGNOLIA AVENUE AND ACADEMY DRIVE.

Mark Miller presented staff's report to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Academy Drive. Mrs. Maggie Buchan, the Principal at Buena Park High School, requested that the City of Fullerton study the traffic conditions on Magnolia Avenue and consider the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Academy Drive.

The students and staff at Buena Park High School are concerned for pedestrian and driver safety when using the intersection due to increased traffic and congestion on Magnolia Avenue.

On April 30, 2002, staff conducted its investigation of the intersection. It should be noted that the justification for the installation of a traffic signal is based on warrant criteria established in the State of California Traffic Manual. Staff concluded that two of eleven warrants were satisfied.

Staff also evaluated the existing sight distance and signing near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Academy Drive. Staff's investigation of the intersection indicated adequate sight distance when entering the major street from the minor street and that all regulatory and advisory signs are appropriate and in good condition.

The preliminary estimate for a signal and interconnect is approximately $152,000. Currently there are no funds budgeted this year for the installation of a signal. However, Fullerton has requested that Buena Park pay its fair share of any project approved and installed in the future. As a result, the Buena Park City Council reserved $65,000 for its proportionate share of any future signal installation at the intersection.

Staff requests that the Transportation and Circulation Commission (T&CC) approve the request for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Academy Drive.

Chairman Francis asked if Buena Park will be maintaining the traffic signal. Mr. Miller replied that they will be maintaining 50% of the traffic signal.

Commissioner Robeson asked why staff could start the price at 50% of the cost considering the agreement is to be split in two. Mr. Miller said that the estimate at the time did not include the interconnect going to Orangethorpe Avenue.

Commissioner Robeson asked if a flashing yellow light would be sufficient for this intersection. Mr. Miller replied that the school did not ask for a flashing yellow light instead they asked for a controlled traffic signal.

Commissioner Nowels asked whether the crosswalk that is 100 yards north of Magnolia Avenue and Academy Drive would be removed if the traffic signal is installed. Mr. Miller said that in the design of the intersection both the City of Buena Park and the City of Fullerton agreed to consolidate the crosswalks at Academy Drive.

The public comment segment was opened.

Maggie Buchan, Principal of Buena Park High School, said that the Principal Advisory Board requested the installation of the Traffic Signal due to their safety concern.

Commissioner Robeson asked Mrs. Buchan why the school would need a traffic signal since they off load on Academy Drive. Mrs. Buchan said that students cross the intersection to go home or get on the public transportation buses.

Dr. Michael Conroy, Director of Business Services for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District (FJUHSD), is representing Dr. Michael Escalante the Superintendent at the FJUHSD. Dr. Conroy said that the district asked that the commission approve the traffic signal installation for the safety of the students that reside in both cities.

Kang Hur, 6487 Blue Jay Drive, is representing the Buena Park High School students. Mr. Hur said that the students are in favor for the installation because they are concerned for their safety.

Steve Libring, City Traffic Engineer for the City of Buena Park, stated that although they only own 1/3 of the intersection they are willing to pay 50% of the cost. The City of Buena Park is in full support for installation of the traffic signal.

Chairman Francis asked staff how many accidents there have been within the past twelve months. Dave Langstaff, Traffic Engineering Analyst, said that there have been five accidents, four were rear-end accidents and one was a bicyclist accident.

Brice Hunt, 510 Dorothy Drive, favors the installation of the traffic signal because he feels that it is a safety issue.

The public comment segment was closed.

Commissioner Nowels stated that she supports the recommendation since the City of Buena Park will be assisting us with half the cost.

Commissioner Ginter asked how long it would take to get the funds for this project. Robert Hodson, Director of Engineering, stated that should this be approved he will find the funds for the project.

Commissioner Ginter asked Mr. Miller if the city has a traffic signal that has an amber flashing during the unneeded portion of the day and then goes to red and green during the school peak hours. Mr. Miller replied no.

Commissioner Robeson asked Mr. Miller if the city considered the crosswalks that flash. Mr. Miller said that staff looked at the factors and it was not appropriate for this area.

Commissioner Hardwick asked Mr. Hodson if both requests can be presented at the same time to the City Council. Mr. Hodson feels that this item should be presented first because it involves the school.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO INSTALL "2-HOUR PARKING" ON BOTH SIDES OF POMONA AVENUE BETWEEN COMMONWEALTH AVENUE AND WILSHIRE AVENUE. Mr. Miller presented staff's report to install "2 Hour Parking" on both sides of Pomona Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Wilshire Avenue. Mr. Cameron Irons, business owner of "Chomp" Sushi Bar and Teppan Grill at 181 East Commonwealth Avenue, requested "2 Hour Parking" on both sides of Pomona Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Wilshire Avenue. The request is due to unavailability of short term parking for customers to the restaurant. Mr. Irons complained that commuters using the Transportation Center on the south side of Commonwealth Avenue park their vehicles all along Pomona Avenue for the entire day. Mr. Irons is considerably concerned because their restaurant is in its first month of operation and worried that patronage may be affected if customers are unable to find parking nearby. The decision to temporary post the 2 hour parking restriction was one of several immediate changes made to parking in the Downtown area in response to complaints from property/business owners. Staff conducted a parking utilization study and concluded that there was an apparent need for short-term parking on the west side of Pomona Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Amerige Avenue. However, the temporary installation of 2 hour parking appears to have addressed the problem. Therefore, staff recommends that the restriction be made permanent. Staff is unable to support the request to restrict parking on the east side of Pomona Avenue at this time. It is staff's opinion that implementing a parking restriction on the east side of Pomona Avenue will create a hardship for commuters and result in their relocating to surrounding residential areas. Staff recommends that the T&CC approve and recommend to City Council, the installation of "2 Hour Parking" between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays, on the west side of Pomona Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Amerige Avenue. Commissioner Robeson asked how the church feels about the "2 Hour Parking" installation. Mr. Langstaff replied that the church was notified however staff has not heard from them. Chairman Francis commented that the area is a business area, however there is no parking in the Transportation Center and he would not like to discourage any people from commuting. Commissioner Ginter asked if the area behind Chomp's gets heavily impacted. Mr. Miller replied yes. Mr. Hodson mentioned that the temporary 2 hour parking was done as a trial measure due to issues with Fullerton College. Staff would like to make this permanent rather than continue it for 90 days. Commissioner Robeson clarified that the west side of Pomona Avenue would be 14 spaces and the east side would be left unrestricted. Mr. Hodson stated that they have an approval of a 3 million dollar grant from the State to start the process on both sides of Santa Fe Avenue and are trying to receive another 3 million to construct the surface lots. The public comment segment was opened and closed. Chairman Francis supports the recommendation because he would like to encourage people to commute. Commissioner Robeson agreed with the Chairman's response. Commissioner Hardwick made a motion to accept staff's recommendation to make permanent the installation of "2 Hour Parking" between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays, on the west side of Pomona Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Amerige Avenue. Commissioner Ginter seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR A STOP SIGN ON WILSHIRE AVENUE AT BALCOM AVENUE.

Mr. Miller presented staff's request for a stop sign at Wilshire Avenue at Balcom Avenue. Mr. Donald F. Holly, the property owner at 505 E. Wilshire Avenue, requested that staff consider installing a stop sign on Wilshire Avenue at Balcom Avenue. Mr. Holly is concerned about the speed of traffic at the intersection and the number of accidents and near miss accidents that he has witnessed

The justifications for the installation of a four-way stop at an intersection are based on guidelines established in the State of California Traffic Manual. Satisfying any of the following may warrant a four-way stop. However, the minimum guidelines for the installation of four-way stop control have not been satisfied.

Staff went out in the field and looked at the portion of Lemon Avenue to Raymond Avenue. The Police Department is concerned about the speeds of vehicles on Wilshire Avenue between Lawrence Avenue and Raymond Avenue.

Staff requests a continuance until December on this item to look at a couple intersections along Wilshire Avenue. Staff is concerned about the intersections at Lincoln Avenue and Yale Avenue.

Commissioner Hardwick asked if there is a possibility of removing the stop sign at Lawrence Avenue and Wilshire Avenue. Mr. Miller said that he is reluctant to remove stop signs.

Commissioner Nowels asked if staff will be getting residents opinions towards the stop sign. Mr. Miller said that the residents will be notified.

Commissioner Buck commented that staff should look at making Wilshire Avenue a Bicycle Boulevard to reduce traffic.

Chairman Francis asked Mrs. Irons if it is ok to continue this for further study. Mrs. Irons replied yes.

The public comment segment was closed.

Chairman Francis commented that he favors continuing this issue until December.

Commissioner Hardwick made a motion to continue the recommendation. Commissioner Buck seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN CITY LOTS ADJACENT TO SANTA FE AVENUE.

Chairman Francis did not participate in the discussion of item #4 due to a potential conflict of interest. The meeting was turned over to Commissioner Hardwick.

Mr. Miller presented staff's report regarding the City parking lot adjacent to Santa Fe Avenue. Staff recommends designating various parking restrictions within the parking lots on the north side of Santa Fe Avenue between Malden Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.

Construction is almost completed on the City's new parking lots on the north side of Santa Fe Avenue. There are 41 new parking spaces within the two lots for uses by employees as well as patrons of the local businesses. The selected hours are typical of the existing parking restrictions throughout the area. The 2 hours will allow patrons of the local business/restaurants enough time to conduct business or to dine.

Staff recommends that the T&CC approve and recommend to Council the following designations for the parking spaces within the two parking lots north of Santa Fe Avenue between Malden Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.

Spaces numbered 1 and 14 as disabled parking spaces.

Spaces numbered 2 through 13 and 15 through 37 as 2-hour parking between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Mr. Hodson clarified that the 13 space easterly lot has been completed. The westerly lot will be completed by Thanksgiving.

Commissioner Ginter asked what determines the number of spaces for employee parking. Mr. Hodson replied that the there was an agreement with Ellingson to build road curb in front of their building in order to park two vehicles within the building. Staff has compromised with two spaces at Ellingson and the other two spaces are for Heroes. There will be parking permits issued to the employees at Ellingson and Heroes.

Commissioner Buck asked if the businesses have obligations to provide for parking when they moved in there. Mr. Hodson replied no.

Commissioner Buck asked that if someone builds a new structure would they need to provide parking. Mr. Hodson replied yes.

Commissioner Buck inquired where the valet cars are being parked. Mr. Hodson believes they are being parked at the bank located on the west side of Malden Avenue.

The public comment segment was opened.

Steve Ellingson, property owner at 119 Santa Fe Avenue, asked if staff could later revisit the issue if parking problems occur between employees for parking spots.

Commissioner Robeson asked Mr. Ellingson how many employees he has. Mr. Ellingson said he has three employees.

The public comment segment was closed.

Commissioner Ginter asked if there is a possibility of assigning more than four parking spaces. Mr. Hodson said that staff would first like to see how four parking spaces work.